Kerry Won’t Apologize To Iran For GOP Letter: ‘Not On Your Life’ (VIDEO)

Start your day with TPM.
Sign up for the Morning Memo newsletter

Secretary of State John Kerry bashed the “unprecedented” letter from Republican senators warning Iranian leaders against a nuclear deal with the United States in an interview that aired on CBS’ “Face the Nation” on Sunday.

CBS News’ Margaret Brennan asked Kerry if he would apologize to the leaders of Iran for the letter sent by 47 Senate Republicans.

“Not on your life. I’m not going to apologize for an unconstitutional, unthought-out action by somebody who has been in the United States Senate for 60-some days. That’s just inappropriate,” Kerry responded, referencing freshman Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR), who organized Senate Republicans to send the letter. “I will explain very clearly that Congress does not have the right to change an executive agreement.”

Kerry said he wasn’t sure yet whether the letter would have any impact on the nuclear negotiations with Iran, but he said the letter was meant to be destructive.

“This letter was absolutely calculated directly to interfere with these negotiations. It specifically inserts itself directly to the leader of another country, saying ‘Don’t negotiate with these guys, because we’re going to change this.’ Which, by the way, is not only contrary to Constitution with respect to the executive’s right to negotiate, but is incorrect, because they cannot change an executive agreement,” he said. “That is unprecedented.”

Despite growing criticism, Cotton said in a Sunday interview with CBS’ “Face the Nation” that he has “no regrets at all” for his decision to send the letter.

“It’s so important we communicated this message straight to Iran,” Cotton said.

Watch Kerry’s interview video via CBS:

Latest Livewire
21
Show Comments

Notable Replies

  1. If he could speak a little smoother and faster, and put a little more animation in his face, he would have been President.

    I’m always impressed with his knowledge and ability to analyze a situation. But only for about four or five minutes, then I start nodding off.

  2. I fully intend to let them swing by that rope… If the Iranians also wish to take a swing at that pinata, so be it.

  3. Avatar for zoran zoran says:

    Who asks stupid assed questions like this anyway?
    Should we all apologize for the insane fucking republicans everyday actions?

  4. Avatar for tani tani says:

    What do Kerry have to apologize for. Ichabod is a traitor and the 46 senators need to be strict from their office.

Continue the discussion at forums.talkingpointsmemo.com

15 more replies

Participants

Avatar for system1 Avatar for austin_dave Avatar for avattoir Avatar for zoran Avatar for counter_coulter Avatar for bradbennett Avatar for tani Avatar for randyabraham Avatar for billfrompa Avatar for just2stressed Avatar for sarenarterius Avatar for longtimeobserver Avatar for nitpicker Avatar for martinheldt Avatar for barblzz Avatar for kitty Avatar for beattycat Avatar for qwedswa

Continue Discussion
Masthead Masthead
Founder & Editor-in-Chief:
Executive Editor:
Managing Editor:
Deputy Editor:
Editor at Large:
General Counsel:
Publisher:
Head of Product:
Director of Technology:
Associate Publisher:
Front End Developer:
Senior Designer: